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2008 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 110.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

126 reports with mileage · 42 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports6 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

168 reports
85,000 miles · Apr 10, 2018
Electrical System

THIS VEHICLE HAS A RECALL FOR KNOWN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT MY LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM LOOK INTO THE ISSUE BUT THEY FAIL TO OFFER A SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS KNOWN FAULTY ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSE AIRBAG FAULTS.

NHTSA ODI #11084466

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2018
Electrical System

WHEN I'VE BEEN DRIVING MY CAR IT COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I LOSE POWER STEERING, ACCELERATION, BRAKING & NEED TO ALLOW THE CAR TO COME TO A STOP & THEN STUT IF OFF & TURN IT BACK ON. I HAVE TAKEN MY PASTA IN AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY VIN BUT NO AVAILABLE PARTS FOR A FU…

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WHEN I'VE BEEN DRIVING MY CAR IT COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I LOSE POWER STEERING, ACCELERATION, BRAKING & NEED TO ALLOW THE CAR TO COME TO A STOP & THEN STUT IF OFF & TURN IT BACK ON. I HAVE TAKEN MY PASTA IN AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. I FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR MY VIN BUT NO AVAILABLE PARTS FOR A FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT THAT WOULD CAUSE THE CAR TO SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET THIS REPLACED I'M SCARED TO KEEP DRIVING IT BECAUSE AT SOME POINT I WILL NOT BE SO LUCKY TO NOT HIT SOMEONE.

NHTSA ODI #11083165

86,900 miles · Mar 20, 2018
EnginePower Train

AUG 16,2017 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER20AE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V509 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE SUMMARY ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THERE COULD BE AN INTERRUPTION IN ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN A DRAINED BATTE…

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AUG 16,2017 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER20AE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V509 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE, REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE SUMMARY ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THERE COULD BE AN INTERRUPTION IN ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN A DRAINED BATTERY AND/OR A NO START CONDITION, OR CAUSE A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. BATTERY WAS DEAD AFTER ONLY TWO YEARS HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED OFF HIGHWAY TIRES PLUS SAID CODE FUEL PUMP AND TRANSMISSION MODULE OPEN RECALL !

NHTSA ODI #11080366

114,000 miles · Mar 20, 2018
Air BagsSteering

WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED IT IMMEDIATELY SHUTS ITSELF OFF AND SAYS STEERING COLUMN LOCK DEFECTIVE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME THIS COULD CAUSE MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO LIFE THREATENING SIT…

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WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED IT IMMEDIATELY SHUTS ITSELF OFF AND SAYS STEERING COLUMN LOCK DEFECTIVE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TODAY AND THEY TOLD ME THIS COULD CAUSE MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS SEEMS LIKE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO LIFE THREATENING SITUATIONS WHILE DRIVING. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS HOARDS OF PEOPLE WHO EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL PASSAT.

NHTSA ODI #11080363

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2018
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (PAUL MILLER VOLKSWAGEN, 118 MORRISTOWN RD, BERNARDSVILLE, NJ 07924, 908-766-1600) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #11079798

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED REGARDING PART AVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11079162

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, A FUEL ODOR WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11078654

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (HERITAGE VO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN IN OWINGS MILLS, MARYLAND) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11075177

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE LOC…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THE RECALL NOTICE STATED THAT OWNERS WOULD RECEIVE A SECOND NOTICE WHEN PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11072417

131,000 miles · Feb 12, 2018
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE COULD BE AN INTERRUPTION IN ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN A DRAINED BATTERY AND/OR A NO START CONDITION, OR CAUSE A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH CAUSI…

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I'M CONCERNED THAT THERE COULD BE AN INTERRUPTION IN ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN A DRAINED BATTERY AND/OR A NO START CONDITION, OR CAUSE A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. IN ADDITION, THE AIRBAG RECALL IS A GREAT CONCERN. I'M ALSO CONCERNED FOR ANY OTHER RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH MY VOLKSWAGEN. NOW THAT TAKATA HAS SETTLED THE LAWSUIT, I HOPE MY CONCERNED CAN BE RESOLVED EXPEDITIOUSLY.

NHTSA ODI #11072319

Official recalls

4

18V148000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Mar 6, 2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

17V509000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 16, 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

16V078000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 10, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

08V235000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

May 28, 2008

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 4,079 MY 2008 PASSAT AND 2,500 MY 2009 TIGUAN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0T FSI ULEV II ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CONTAINING SOFTWARE THAT MAY NOT PROPERLY CONTROL ENGINE IDLE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING TURNED ON. IN RARE CASES, THE ECM MAY UNEXPECTEDLY INCREASE ENGINE RPM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN ENGINE SURGE CAUSED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN ENGINE RPM MAY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR AND CAN RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND UPDATE THE ECM SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.